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Your first month with a new dog

A calm, structured plan for food transitions, walks, training and settling in.

9 min readLast reviewed 5 July 2026Education reviewed

This advice is educational and does not replace a qualified veterinarian. Seek professional advice for illness, injury, specialist diets or sudden behaviour changes.

Keep the first week quiet

Use simple routines, short walks and gentle introductions. Give your dog time to sleep and decompress.

Build predictable care

Measure food, introduce training cues and book a veterinary check if adoption history is incomplete.

Warning: Do not force greetings with people or other dogs.

Sources

  • APBC settling guidance
  • PDSA new dog advice

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